April 9 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the key designers of the Perm School of Engine Engineering, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation Alexander Inozemtsev. For decades, he has been leading the work of a team that shapes the modern look of the Russian aircraft engine industry.
The beginning of the path and the formation of the school
Alexander Inozemtsev joined Pavel Solovyov's Engine-building Design Bureau (MKB) in 1973 after graduating with honors from Perm Polytechnic Institute (today Perm National Research Polytechnic University, PNRPU). 10 years later (at the age of 32), by order of the USSR Ministry of Aviation Industry, he was appointed chief designer and first deputy head of the ICB. The appointment came as a surprise to him. But only for him, his colleagues could see the efforts made by the young engineer, the desire to create and the ability to take responsibility.
The great Solovyov's parting words were stern: "I intend to work for another five years. You have time to take over the business by working next to me, and then... if you get out, it's fine, you'll ruin the company, and it'll count for you in the next world." But Inozemtsev not only "sailed out", but also retained the Perm design and technology school, provided the company with work for decades.
The turbulent period
In the 1990s, amid the crisis of the domestic industry and declining demand for Russian aviation equipment, Inozemtsev consistently defended the need to develop his own technologies. During this period, under his leadership, a system was built that made it possible to preserve and develop engineering competencies, as well as to form a long-term human resource base.
Working with educational institutions has become one of the key areas. Inozemtsev paid special attention to cooperation with PNRPU, where, with the participation of the design bureau, laboratories were created and specialist training programs were organized. Targeted contracts, student internships, a system of scholarships and guaranteed employment were introduced, as well as the integration of training programs with the tasks of the design bureau.
In 2001, Inozemtsev became the head of the company with the status of General Designer — General Director of Aviadvigatel, simultaneously heading the Department of Aircraft Engines. His energy was enough to directly connect the educational process with the practical tasks of the industry. In recent years, UEC-Aviadvigatel has been working closely with the Higher School of Aviation Engine Engineering, where masters of Perm Polytechnic University study, and it supports the A.D. Shvetsov Aviation College and the B.G. Izgagin College of Industrial and Information Technologies.
The General Designer encourages young engineers working at the Design Bureau to enroll in postgraduate studies, engage in science, thus improving their level of competence and the level of the bureau.
Engines that have become the basis
Inozemtsev's professional activity is connected with the creation and development of a number of engines that have become the basis of Russian aviation. These include the D-30 family in various modifications used on Tu-134, Il-62M, Il-76 and Tu-154M aircraft, as well as the D-30F6 engine for the MiG-31 interceptor fighter. These developments have enabled the operation of a whole generation of military and civilian aircraft.
 |
| The MiG-31 interceptor fighter. |
| Source: Lev Fedoseev/ TASS |
Of particular importance was the work on the PS-90A family, which was installed on the Tu-204, Tu-214, Il-96 and Il-76 upgraded versions. The engine has become one of the key elements of Russian civil aviation and consolidated the position of the Perm school as a center of competence in the field of modern aviation power plants.
The next stage was the PD-14 project, a new generation engine for the MC-21-310 aircraft. Its development has become a large-scale technological task that required the cooperation of many enterprises and scientific organizations. During the project, dozens of new technologies and materials were introduced, as well as modern approaches to development and production management. In 2018, the engine received a type certificate, and today it is undergoing operational and certification tests, demonstrating significant operating time and stable operation.
In parallel, work is underway on a promising PD-35 engine for wide-body aircraft. A demonstration gas generator has already been created, tests have been carried out and high thrust values have been achieved. This project is considered as the next step in the development of the domestic engine industry and requires the creation of a new testing and production infrastructure.
Science and the impact on the industry
Under Inozemtsev's leadership, the Perm design school developed not only in the aviation field, but also in the field of energy technology. Gas turbine installations of various capacities, power plants and solutions with low-emission combustion chambers have been created, focused on applications in the fuel and energy complex. These developments have become an important addition to the aviation field and have ensured the company's sustainable development.
Inozemtsev's scientific contributions include hundreds of publications, monographs, textbooks, and patents. His activities cover not only engineering practice, but also the development of the theoretical basis of engine building, which strengthens the position of the Perm school as one of the competence centers in the country.
Recognition and significance of personality
Over the years, Inozemtsev's contribution has been widely recognized at the state and professional levels. He is an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, a laureate of state and industry awards, awarded orders and insignia. In 2023, he was awarded the title Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation.
His role goes beyond individual developments: Inozemtsev formed a stable engineering school, ensured the continuity of generations and created a system in which complex technological projects are implemented. It is this sequence and the scale of its activities that determine its importance for the domestic engine industry and the entire aviation industry.
The text was prepared based on the materials of the United Engine Corporation.
Alexey Gavrelyuk
